Advertisement
The Jharkhand government has issued an alert to its hospitals, instructing them to implement surveillance, preventive measures, and testing for respiratory illness cases in light of a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China. Additional Chief Secretary for Health, Arun Kumar Singh, conveyed the directive to district administrations, emphasizing the need to stay prepared and vigilant.
The letter highlighted a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children in Northern China, prompting the urgent need for constant monitoring and a swift response to potential public health challenges. Singh acknowledged the possibility of an increase in respiratory illness cases due to ongoing influenza, attributed to causes like Influenza strain (H1N1/H3N2/H5N1/H9N2), mycoplasma pneumonia, and SARS-CoV-2.
To address the situation, Singh urged officials to enhance surveillance, closely monitor virus evolution, and strengthen flu and respiratory clinics in medical colleges, district hospitals, and health centers. The departments of microbiology at RIMS-Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Jamshedpur were designated as sentinel sites for sending suspected samples.
District administrations were instructed to ensure that all health facilities, including private hospitals, report suspected cases promptly. Additionally, officials were tasked with assessing the availability of oxygen, ensuring a robust supply chain for refilling, and verifying the adequacy of other necessary equipment. Mock drills for emergency scenarios were also recommended to ensure preparedness across health facilities.
